South Africa’s Gambling Board Defends Verified Operators Portal Amid Criticism

NGB Responds to Questions Over Operator Database

The National Gambling Board (NGB) has issued a public response addressing recent criticism surrounding its Verified Gambling Operators web portal, emphasizing that the initiative remains a key tool in strengthening oversight and consumer protection in South Africa’s regulated gambling sector.

According to the regulator, the portal was created to provide the public with a centralized resource for identifying gambling operators and premises licensed under South African law. The database compiles information submitted by the country’s nine Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs), which oversee licensing and regulatory responsibilities in their respective jurisdictions.

The NGB said the objective of the platform has remained consistent since its launch: improving public access to verified regulatory information while supporting efforts against illegal gambling operations.

“Closed” Listings Do Not Automatically Signal Violations

One of the concerns raised in recent commentary focused on entries within the portal marked as “CLOSED.” However, the NGB clarified that such designations should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of unlawful gambling activity or regulatory shortcomings.

The regulator explained that, particularly within the Limited Payout Machine (LPM) sector, sites can appear as closed for several operational reasons, including temporary renovations, business interruptions, fee payment issues, contractual disputes, or other administrative circumstances.

Officials stressed that the status alone does not indicate illegal activity unless there is evidence that gambling services continue operating outside regulatory requirements.

Regulator Rejects Claims Regarding Online Gambling Listings

The NGB also addressed comments linking the portal’s content to the proposed Remote Gambling Bill B11-2024, stating that current gambling regulation is governed by existing legislation rather than bills that have not yet become law.

According to the regulator, suggestions that the register excludes online gambling operators are inaccurate. The board noted that licensed bookmakers authorized by provincial regulators to offer online sports betting already appear within the database under South Africa’s existing legal framework.

The NGB said confusion over the issue risks creating misconceptions about how online gambling activities are currently regulated in the country.

NGB Calls Portal a Step Toward Greater Transparency

As the first initiative of its kind in South Africa, the Verified Gambling Operators portal is being positioned as a broader effort to enhance transparency and cooperation across the gambling industry.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Lungile Dukwana encouraged members of the public to continue using the portal and report suspicious gambling activity.

He emphasized that the system was developed not to promote gambling but to help consumers avoid unlicensed operators and gain easier access to official regulatory information.

Industry Oversight Efforts Continue

The NGB stated that it remains committed to collaborating with provincial authorities and industry stakeholders to improve data quality, reporting standards, and regulatory systems.

As South Africa continues to face challenges linked to illegal and offshore gambling activity, regulators say initiatives like the portal will play an increasingly important role in maintaining public confidence and strengthening oversight across the market.